West Ham want the new Michael Olise as technical director Tim Steidten sends scouts to the Euros to get tabs on the talented star.
Michael Olise has torn West Ham apart on more than one occasion, including the recent 5-2 demolition at Crystal Palace.
But the Hammers aren’t alone, resulting in Olise being a top target for elite clubs at a reported asking price of £70m this summer.
West Ham cannot operate at those levels of course.
And it seems the supreme talent is destined for a club playing regular Champions League football.
But cunning West Ham could snap up the next best thing instead it seems.
Julen Lopetegui has arrived at the Hammers’ new head coach ready to perform major reconstruction on a threadbare and ageing squad alongside Tim Stediten.
West Ham must look to base their rebuild around homegrown talent to meet Premier League rules.
The Hammers have been linked with a host of players who tick that box such as Marcus Edwards at Sporting and Lille’s Angel Gomes as well as Max Kilman and several Championship stars.
West Ham want new Olise as Steidten sends scouts to Euros
Now West Ham want the new Olise as Steidten sends scouts to Euros.
According to The Evening Standard the Hammers are weighing up a move for 17-year-old forward Baylee Dipepa.
West Ham fans could be forgiven for having never heard of Dipepa, who only made his debut for Port Vale in March.
But he has earned comparisons to Olise with his playing style and a call-up for England’s Under 17s at the European Championships in Cyprus.
Dipepa scored in England’s opening 4-0 win over France and caught the eye.
The report states that West Ham have scouts keeping a close eye on Dipepa although it is understood they’re not alone.
Exciting talent is too good for League Two
Steidten now has full control over recruitment and has reshaped West Ham’s scouting team and department.
So it is encouraging to see he has someone watching what is clearly a hugely promising talent.
Dipepa does not turn 18 until January, but one look at his skills and ability will draw the mind instantly to Olise.
The young forward became Port Vale’s second youngest ever scorer as he bagged three goals and an assist in four starts at the end of last season.
That was not enough to keep his side in League One.
And it’s clear he is far too talented a player to be operating in the bottom division of the professional game next season. Especially now he’s involved in the England setup.
“The Hammers are expected to face competition from clubs in the Midlands for Dipepa, who signed his first professional contract in January,” The Evening Standard states.
If West Ham do want to sign Dipepa, Steidten will have to have a conversation with Port Vale’s director of football – former Premier League star David Flitcroft.
‘No ceiling to what Dipepa can achieve’
Having played at the top level, Flitcroft knows what it takes to operate there.
And he says ‘there is no ceiling to what Dipepa can achieve in the game.
“His profile as a player is an exciting one, he possesses a lot of attributes and qualities required to be a successful striker in the modern game,” Flitcroft said on Port Vale’s website.
“Professional contracts at this club are not given, they’re earned and Baylee has certainly earned his. If he continues his hard work and focus, there is no ceiling to what he can achieve at the club.”
No fee is mentioned and if Midlands clubs are interested then expect the likes of Wolves and Aston Villa to be sniffing around too.
But if West Ham can lure Dipepa to east London, we could have the new Olise on our hands.
You can check out the young star in action below.